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5 Awesome Festivals to Learn Korean Culture- and Have a Blast!



Festivals are an incredible way to learn a foreign culture. They provide a natural learning environment and offer social and educational benefits for attendees. Many people learn more effectively through visual information, and thus, festivals represent a much better medium for learning than textbooks or classrooms. Lastly, the shared experience of being part of a festival presents the opportunity to further develop an understanding of cultures and deepen friendships that can sustain learning long term.

Busan International Film Festival

It is always more effective to learn in a context that interests the learner. So if you are passionate about movies, then the Busan International Film Festival is an amazing opportunity to experience culture through movies.


The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) was first held in September 1996 and was the first international film festival in Korea. The focus of the festival is to promote new films and directors, particularly from Asian countries. It is held at the Busan Cinema Center in Centum City, which includes a 4,000-seat outdoor theatre and four indoor screens. Approximately 200,000 people enjoy BIFF in either September or October annually. Many of the films featured at BIFF depict Korean culture in a traditional sense, which is often lacking in blockbuster films aimed to entertain audiences.

Photo: Busan International Film Festival (Source: https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2021/10/689_316606.html)


Andong International Mask Dance Festival

The Andong International Mask Dance Festival is held in the city of Andong at the end of September every year. Featured as one of the venues of the festival, Hahoe Folk Village shows that traditional performing art is still a part of everyday life here. Bright costumes and traditional dances set an enchanting mood for audiences. In addition to the mask dance, an amazing fireworks show creates breathtaking reflections on the water.

Photo: Andong International Mask Dance Festival (Source: http://www.maskdance.com/eng/main.asp)


Seoul Spring Flower Festival

In early April, Yeouido is home to a spectacular cherry blossom landscape. Located nearby Seoul, Yeouido city is conveniently connected by subway and has hosted the Seoul Spring Flower festival since 2005. For those who enjoy a pristine and beautiful experience in nature, be sure to visit Yeouido for the Seoul Spring Flower Festival. It is a great way to explore the reforestation success of Korea as well as revisit the history of Japan and Korea relations.


Boryeong Mud Festival

The Boryeong Mud Festival is held in July annually in Boryeong, a city located on the west coast of Korea. Boryeong has beautiful scenery, including both mountains and beaches. The actual festival takes place on Daecheon beach. This festival offers a unique opportunity to engage in mud games, obstacle races, and experience mud cosmetics. In fact, Boryeong mud is claimed to improve your skin tone as a result of its unique combination of minerals.

Photo: Boryeong Mud Festival (Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boryeong_Mud_Festival)


Seongsan Sunrise Festival

Jeju Island offers many unique experiences for learning Korean culture as well as experiencing the island's beauty. At the end of the year, many Koreans travel to Seongsan, located on the east coast of Jeju Island. Due to the breathtaking beauty, Seongsan is the destination of many wishing to experience the first sunrise of the new year.

Photo: Seongsan Ilchulbong from the air (Source: https://ko.wikipedia.org/wiki/파일:Seongsan_Ilchulbong_from_the_air.jpg)


There are many compelling reasons to learn about culture through festivals. And lucky for anyone wanting to learn Korean culture, there are lots of Korean festivals to enjoy. This article highlights 5 unique and wonderful festivals to learn about Korean culture.




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